Microsoft considers adding a command line text editor to Windows

For those who are unfamiliar with the Windows 11 terminal, a recent Microsoft development might have passed them by. However, for those familiar with it, there’s an intriguing development underway that could significantly enhance the Windows user experience. Currently Windows ships without a default command-line text editor, but this may change shortly, considering that Microsoft’s Connor Plante has initiated a conversation on GitHub, presenting this new idea and asking for user feedback on potential implementation.

If users agree, Windows should come equipped with a Command Line Interface (CLI) editor as part of the default installation. And while 32-bit Windows versions already include the “edit,” the 64-bit versions lack a built-in CLI editor. For many users including system admins, developers, and power users CLI editor is crucial and a fundamental Windows tool.

This issue suggests that Windows should once again ship with a CLI editor installed inbox by default. 32-bit versions of Windows ship with edit, but 64-bit versions of the OS have no CLI editor installed inbox. A CLI editor is a core tool for system admins, developers, and power users – providing an immediate viable option here is an important quality-of-life improvement.

Connor Plante, Microsoft

Although this appears as a minor change, this change could substantially improve the lives of those reliant on CLI text editors. An alternative solution under discussion involves enhancing error handling, allowing the shell to recognize commands, and providing a quick installation solution through the Windows Package Manager.